• Applications are now open to young Australian researchers, innovators and scientists through the 2019 Science and Innovation Awards
Young agricultural innovators from across the Parkes electorate are being invited to submit their research project ideas for a chance to share in up to $286,000 in grant funding.
Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said there is an abundance of initiative among young scientists, innovators and researchers in his electorate.
“Many of the best new ideas I’ve seen come directly from passionate young people already working in agricultural industries,” Mr Coulton said.
“There is a wealth of young talent in livestock, wool, cotton and grain industries, amongst many others, who are coming up with innovative ways to boost productivity, competitiveness and sustainability.”
Mr Coulton said each winner from the 13 industry award categories will receive a grant of up to $22,000.
“A $22,000 grant could go a long way in making these ideas a reality and helping to advance prosperous careers in agriculture. I encourage anyone interested to put forward their strong applications now.”
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud also encouraged young rural innovators to contribute to the future success of Australian agriculture.
“Research and innovation will help us capitalise on global food demand,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Innovation drives productivity in Australian agriculture and helps us push towards the National Farmers’ Federation’s vision of a $100 billion agricultural industry by 2030.”
The Science and Innovation Awards recognise the ideas of innovative 18-35 year olds in Australia, helping them turn their agricultural aspirations into reality.
Applications close on Friday 12 October 2018. The recipients of the awards will be publicly presented as part of the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) Outlook 2019 conference in Canberra.
For further information on the awards and how to apply, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/scienceawards.
Fast facts
• 13 industry award categories are available in the 2019 round – cotton, dairy, eggs and poultry (layers), established, new and emerging rural industries, fisheries and aquaculture, forest and wood products, grains, health and biosecurity, meat and livestock, pork, red meat processing, viticulture and oenology, and wool.
• Each award category is supported by the award partners including AgriFutures Australia, Australian Eggs, Australian Meat Processor Corporation, Australian Pork Limited, Australian Wool Innovation, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Dairy Australia, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Forest & Wood Products Australia, Grains Research and Development Corporation, Meat & Livestock Australia and Wine Australia.
• Winners of the industry category Science Awards are then invited to apply for the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources’ Award, which provides additional funding for an extended research project.
Media Contact: Anna Tickle – 0400 050 729
